A Florida city commonly known as a hub for retirees is now the home to young families.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale became a hot spot for people to retire and enjoy a slow beach life in the 1990s, but now parents and children have taken over.
According to the Downtown Development Authority’s annual report, there has been an 83 percent increase in families with kids since 2018.
In the past five years, there has been a 47 percent increase in families with children under five years old migrating to the sunny area.
Jayme Callahan, a 40-year-old mother who moved to the area three years ago for her paralegal job, is one of several families enjoying their time in the Sunshine State city.
‘It’s a good idea,’ Callahan, who has five-week-old twin daughters, told the Miami Herald.
‘We were actually going to move out towards the suburb area, but we really like it down here. It’s just convenient for everything. We can go out on walks midday. And we’re pretty safe down here, too,’ she added.
Not only has Callahan hopped on the growing trend, but she’s seen others do the same.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale became a hot spot for people to retire and enjoy a slow beach life in the 1990s, but now young families are calling the area home
In the past five years, there has been a 47 percent increase in families with children under five-years-old migrating to the sunny area. (Pictured: File photo of mom and kids)
‘Especially in our building, you wouldn’t really think that since we have a younger crowd, everything’s centered around health, wellness, run clubs and things like that. But we have a lot of families,’ she explained.
The recent data showing the growing trend in families moving to the area has proved a ‘polar opposite story’ than when Fort Lauderdale is typically known for, according to Matthew Schnur, the research and innovation manager at the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
Matthew Schnur, the research and innovation manager at the Downtown Development Authority (pictured) said this has always been the plan for the city
‘If you compare that to almost every other major urban center in the country, that’s the polar opposite story,’ Schnur told the outlet.
‘The word is getting out over how much Fort Lauderdale is investing in overall quality life. We’re finally becoming a true year round destination.’
The new data also suggests that families have chosen to flock to the downtown area because of its $10 million infrastructure expansion, including the renovation of Huizenga Park and its enhanced dining scene.
Young families have also found that the area is a bit cheaper than that of nearby West Palm Beach or Miami, where the average rent is $3,000 a month, compared to $2621 in downtown Fort Lauderdale, according to Zillow.
According to Schnur, this has always been the plan for the city.
‘This strong population growth has been decades in the making. The intent for downtown Fort Lauderdale was to always become this growing, evolving urban center with an incredible sense of place, livability and quality of life that rivals any other major city.
The new data also suggests that families have chosen to flock to the downtown area because of its $10 million infrastructure expansion, including the renovation of Huizenga Park and its enhanced dining scene
‘That vision is starting to be realized, especially in the last five years,’ he continued.
Bryson Ridgeway, another local, never thought he would stay in the area for as long as he did – let alone raise his children there.
The 42-year-old moved to the area in 2006 after graduating college, and now, nearly two decades later, he calls Rio Vista – a neighborhood in the city – home with his wife, their nine, 11 and 13-year-old.
After moving there, Ridgeway quickly noticed just how walkable the city is and the appeal that brings to many residents.
‘It just made me realize that there is an influx of people behind us with even more kids,’ the father-of-three explained.
‘That part is surprising, but when you think about it intuitively, it’s not surprising at all. A lot of people started moving here from 2010 through now, and they don’t leave.’
Callahan echoed Ridgeway’s realization, telling the outlet: ‘We don’t have to walk far to do anything. We very rarely get in the car.’
Not only have families noticed the drastic change in population, but local businesses have too.
Joe Cox, the president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science, has changed the way his business works with more families around.
‘Even in neighborhoods downtown like Flagler Village, five years ago, you’d hardly see a baby stroller. Now they seem to be everywhere,’ Cox stated.
Daycare centers have also seen a huge boom amid more families moving there. (Pictured: Stock image of mom and son on the beach)
Cox said the museum has worked alongside the DDA to watch the demographic change, ultimately preparing them to adapt to having younger children around more.
In 2023 alone, attendance ‘soared’ and increased 20 percent after the museum opened its new 5,000-square-foot exhibit called the Discovery Spot.
The exhibit is specifically tailored for children six and under to learn about the state’s ecosystems, Cox explained.
‘It’s all done in a very playful, very child-friendly, developmentally appropriate way, so lots of hands on experiences,’ he added.
Daycare centers have also seen a huge boom amid more families moving there.
Angella Schroller, the chief program officer at Jack and Jill, told the Miami Herald the demand for the daycare center has reached new heights.
‘Our demand, especially for infant and toddler care has really been so high to the point where we’re just unable to serve it. I think many other providers are in the same boat,’ Schroller said.
She added that the downtown area has become ‘really family-friendly’ and her company is happy to be a part of it.
